> Be Anon, working member of the Coopers' Guild > Your actual occupation... > Well, the saying goes "if you want a band around your barrel, see a cooper." > You're a hugwhore > It's a fairly comfy job even without the compensated cuddling > The room you use has a bed, a couch, loveseat, recliner, and a rocking chair > Tons of pillows > Soft blankets > A good fireplace for the colder months > Hot cocoa supplies, and so on > And so you wait for your next Jane, content in your place in the world > The door opens, revealing a slightly pudgy orange unicorn mare, with dark circles under her eyes > Her short navy mane lies tousled at ear-length > You welcome her with a warm smile "Come in, come in. How can I make your day today?" > She closes the door behind her with a flick of magic, and looks at you with haunted, empty eyes > "Don't. Don't say what you don't mean. I know I'm not beautiful, or cute, and the only reason why this is happening is because I paid for it." > You hesitate > There are mares that like when you talk down to them, that enjoy a stallion pretending to be disgusted about having to cuddle with them > But you can feel a difference here "Alright. Hop on up, and tell me what you want." > The mare climbs up onto the couch next to you, staring at you with a certain wariness that makes your heart break a little > She lays her head on your lap, and you start petting her automatically > She sighs, closing her eyes > "Tell me what you really think about me." > You consider the matter, her slightly coarse mane sliding under your fingers "You need to get more sleep, for one." > She nods, breathing deeply > You think you know what she needs "And you would look better if you lost some weight." > She sniffles at that, but you pretend not to hear "I get the feeling that you have a hard time reaching out to others, and don't have many friends. Certainly not any close ones." > A spot of dampness hits your thigh, and now you look down > The poor mare is thoroughly scrunched, tears leaking from her closed eyes > You shake your head quietly, and wipe her tears away > She looks at you, vulnerable and hollowed out by life > You smile kindly, and gently lift her head "And you are my favorite kind of customer." > She stares at you with wide eyes > "I-I am?" > You hum an affirmative "You are. For some ponies, they come to me because I'm convenient, and discreet." > You gently tug her up into your lap, and lay her head on your shoulder > She nuzzles your neck instinctively "They're just satisfying their animal appetite. But ponies like you, well." > You draw her into a tight hug, breathing in her slightly soapy scent > She shudders in your arms, wrapping her forelegs around you "You just want to feel like a pony again, to remember what affection feels like." > She nods, her hot tears falling on your shoulder > You stroke her back comfortingly, syncing your breathing up with hers "You aren't using me, you're asking for my help, when no one else will answer." > You turn in your seat, leaning back against the armrest of the couch > The mare melts, her weight and warmth falling on your like a heavy blanket > She stares at you with wondering eyes, hoping desperately "And I love being there for you. I love healing your heart, even if it is just a little bit." > You peck her cheek, and draw her back into your embrace "So cuddle with me, and forget about the world for a while." > She timidly kisses your cheek, before turning her head away > You chuckle, and stroke her mane > After a few long minutes pass, she swallows > "I think I love you." > Oh, this poor dear "I care about you, my little mare." > She starts to shake > "I- I shouldn't have said that, just for-" > You shush her gently, patting her withers "It happens. It's hard to receive affection and not return it. All that I ask is that you leave room in your heart for other ponies you may meet." > You can feel the motion of her throat as she swallows > "Alright. I promise." > She relaxes, almost completely limp on top of you > You wait, patiently and comfortably > Her breathing deepens, sleep having finally claimed her emotionally overwhelmed body > You let yourself drift off, content in a job well done